The Sarina Beach Progress Association are holding their Giant Garage sales again this year.

The Giant Garage Sales will be held in Sarina Beach and Campwin Beach on Sunday May 28 from 7am.

All the householders wishing to have a Garage Sale at their home are asked to register with $10 at the Sarina Beach Store / Servo up until the day before the event.

A sausage sizzle will take place at the Sarina Beach Store from 7am.

Maps of all the homes taking part are available at the Store / Servo on the day only.

All proceeds from the registration and the sausage sizzle will be donated to a charity to be decided later.

Last year’s money raised from the event, in which over 50 homes took part, was donated to the Air Sea Rescue Mackay .

Our amazing sponsor again for this event is the owners of the store Sharon and  Greg.

The Sarina Beach Progress Association are an important group helping to raise not only money for our community but awareness for what needs to be done in our area.

It is not an easy  job for our hard working volunteers, who are in the firing line with Council trying to better our facilities and projects that they work on to make this area what it is today; just have a look at the new shelters and BBQ facilities on the Beach Front Park.

So take a break and drive down to one of the best beaches in our area, stay for lunch at our Palms restaurant and takeaway shop/servo, great food and the most welcoming staff around.

Contributed by Fran Lloyd

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This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘The Change Makers’ – and that rings true for the very special people who drive positive change throughout the greater Sarina district.

Most successful not-for-profit and community organisations rely upon the time and enthusiasm of volunteers to stay effective. The selfless act of donating time impacts not only the organisation they volunteer for, but also their wider community.

Volunteers in Sarina and the surrounding areas are at the heart of community groups that help you or someone you know, each day.

Although we appreciate their efforts year-round, the upcoming National Volunteer Week (15-21 May) provides a chance for us all to say thank you for the countless efforts our locals make toward worthy causes.

Something else that is vital in supporting these volunteer groups is funding. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s banking model is unique, in that up to 80% of local profits are contributed to community organisations, assisting volunteers to keep doing what can often be life-changing work.

Some of the groups that Community Bank Sarina has supported recently are:

• Sarina District School Chaplaincy Committee

• Sarina Surf Life Saving Club

• QCWA (Queensland Country Women’s Association) Sarina

• Koumala Progress Association

• Sarina Netball

• Breakaway Horse Riders Club

• Kidney Support Network (KSN)

• Mackay Community Visitors Association (MCVA)

• Mackay Animal Rescue Society (MARS)

• Meals on Wheels

• Men’s Shed Sarina

• Sarina Show Society

• P & Cs for St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Alligator Creek State School, Finch Hatton State School, Eungella State School

• Bakers Creek AFC

• Sarina Kennel Club

Community Bank Sarina recognises the work of volunteers in these groups and others in the region, and thanks them for playing a pivotal role in our community. Since opening in 2005, we have supported our greater community – including contributing $3.4 million across a range of community projects and initiatives. Thank you to our volunteers for making Sarina and district an even better place to live!

If you would like to support another crucial volunteer organisation – and have fun doing it – register today for the Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run. Happening on May 21, this event is a major fundraiser for Sarina Surf Life Saving Club (SSLC), which provides a vital volunteer service to keep us safe in the water. This event is suitable for all ages with multiple distances, like a 1km walk/run for kids, the 3km, 5km, 10km walk/runs, or the 21.5km half marathon. Find out more at www.sarinafunrun.com.au.

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Mackay’s newest acupuncturist grew up in a Chinese medicine household, following in his father’s footsteps by pursuing acupuncture.

“Whenever my brother or I would get sick, it was always herbs and natural medicine first,” said Bob Wong of Art of Acupuncture.

“My father and grandfather were practitioners so I would always help out at my father’s clinic when I was studying as well.”

It wasn’t always Bob’s dream to practise acupuncture. Originally, he wanted to travel China to study martial arts. It was his father who urged him to follow the family profession, so they came to a compromise.

“I would try studying Chinese medicine for three months with his teacher in China and then the rest of the time I would go train martial arts,” he said.

“After three months studying at the Chinese medicine hospital I ended up falling in love with it and decided that acupuncture would be my career.

“I saw firsthand the amazing results it could produce and loved how it provided a natural option rather than just drugs or surgery for everything.”

Completing his Bachelor’s in medicine in China, with a specialisation in acupuncture, Bob was able to see how both traditional and conventional medicine were utilised in Asia’s hospital systems. He moved to Australia in 2013, spending most of the time since then in Brisbane. Getting sick of the rat race, he and his family decided to try something different. After a road trip through Mackay last year, they decided it would be a good fit and they went for it. He, his wife, his eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter love the outdoors, going for hikes and exploring their new surroundings. Still passionate about martial arts, Bob practices Brazilian iiu jitsu at Mackay MMA and helps out with the kids classes in his free time.  

Art of Acupuncture started in Brisbane in 2013, recently relocating to Pioneer Medical Centre in North Mackay. Offering a variety of services such as acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, Bob and the team are dedicated to understanding the needs of their patients, explaining how their treatments work and getting the best results.

“We see a lot of chronic pain, neuralgia and uncommon disorders in our clinic,” Bob said.

“I love how we’re able to help people who have almost given up all hope.

“Many of these patients often times have tried everything in terms of conventional medicine and don’t really know what else to do.”

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There are many small, not-for-profit organisations in the Mackay region that contribute to council’s vision “To become the best region for liveability and livelihood”.

One of those organisations is the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association, better known as MAFSA.

MAFSA is an association of volunteers dedicated to improving freshwater recreational fishing in the Mackay area, by doing the following: replenishing the Pioneer River fisheries degraded by weir obstructions; stocking Eungella, Kinchant and Teemburra dams; ensuring access for recreational anglers; protecting, preserving, enhancing, promoting, and educating on the value of Mackay’s freshwater fisheries and consulting and liaising with all levels of government and their departments.

Since 1994, MAFSA has created magnificent fisheries in three of our local dams at Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella, and these attract anglers from across Australia and around the world to experience what our region has to offer.

There has been exceptional growth in the popularity of freshwater fishing since MAFSA assumed responsibility for turning these waterways into world-class fisheries.

Their latest major project has involved the restoration of barramundi stocks in Teemburra Dam following the recent flood event in January, which saw large numbers of fish escape over the dam wall.

The fourth stocking will release approximately 20,000 – 24,000 fingerlings, which takes their stocking total for Teemburra to about 100,000 fingerlings.

This is a massive boost to rebuild this outstanding barra fishing location and is the result of the community’s effort and fundraising.

MAFSA has just hosted the 18th INDT World Sooty Championship at Eungella Dam, with a record participation of 108 anglers, including 27 juniors, in 65 boats.

The tournament was an outstanding success and attracted a nationally known fishing celebrity in Mark Berg.

He will televise an episode highlighting this tournament and other Mackay Region fishing attractions in the coming months.

This is an outstanding example of the dedication and hard work of the MAFSA volunteers and supporters that contribute so greatly to the liveability of the Mackay region.

If you’d like to join MAFSA, or contribute to the stocking of our local dams, get in touch with them at mackayareafishstockingassoc@gmail.com.

Cr Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

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A counsellor with over 25 years’ experience, Robyn Geiger understands what it is like to feel the burden of life’s challenges sitting heavily on your shoulders, and she is here to help you release the shackles that hold them in place.

Operating a clinic in the heart of Mackay City, Robyn’s practice, Phoenix Counselling Services is located at 1/68 Sydney Street.

Down to earth, non-clinical, relaxed, and friendly, Phoenix Counselling covers the full realm of services which include the following:

• Is your child getting bullied at school? Robyn offers children and youth counselling.

• Is your teenager going through a hard time? Reach out to Robyn and see how some friendly guidance can help.

• Is your relationship struggling? Discover effective communication techniques with Robyn.

• Does your workplace have an Employee Assistance Program? Robyn is accredited to provide counselling to staff whether the issue is work-based or personal.

• Are you a carer who needs support? Robyn offers NDIS carer counselling services to help those who help others.

• Do you want faith-based support? Robyn is a qualified Christian Counsellor who people of faith can relate to pray alongside.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Robyn is highly skilled to help individuals through most of life’s challenges.

“A good councillor has to be a good listener,” said Robyn.

“They then need to be able to provide ways for people to come towards a possible solution.

“People should not be embarrassed or worried about reaching out – counselling really helps to put things into perspective.”

Phoenix Counselling is also approved for the following health care funds:

• Westfund

• Police Health Fund

• Emergency Services Health Fund

• Phoenix Health Fund

• St Luke’s Health Fund

• GMHBA

• CUA

• Teachers Union Health Fund

Please note, Robyn is a counsellor and therefore does not prescribe medication, she will refer onto a psychologist on GP for more severe issues.

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Robyn Geiger from Phoenix Counselling Services. Photo supplied

If your answer is your own body weight, we are now friends. In saying that, if your answer was what is pasta, then you’re dead to me.

Tomorrow is all for you if you love pasta and everything Italian because the Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party happening on Wood and Victoria Streets is on from 3, so you know it’s going to be great.

Just think all the best food, wines, sweets, dancing, music, competitions, rides, classic Italian cars and of course the people. We have got some of the world’s best Italians all living in our region, and tomorrow they are all making their way to the Mackay City Centre for a massive party.

Just think as this is happening, the following week all the action will be at Legends on the Lawn at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Over 6000 people went last year, so next week should be another bumper day of music and fun.

I’m super keen to catch up with Paul Kelly again and the legend in Bernard Fanning on this current tour, so if you haven’t already grabbed your tickets, you might just want to do it today.

Today is also a special day because my Dad is flying in at the Mackay airport and he’s excited to be here to see not only me for my 55th birthday on Wednesday, but also so he can see his grandkids around town.

I’m sure you know it, when you travel interstate for a holiday there’s part of you that wants to relax, but there’s also a part of you that wants to visit all your family and friends. But there just isn’t enough time. I’m sure he’ll be busy. I might even bring him to my hockey game at 1:45 tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll get a laugh.

Oh, and of course Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums this Sunday. We know it should be this day 365 days a year, but let’s spoil our Mum’s like there’s no tomorrow. It’s now 2 years since I lost my Mum, but I know I will be toasting her on Sunday with a tear in my eye.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Hi Everyone,

I’m not going to lie . . . it’s been a pretty crazy week!

But it has also been very rewarding, and I just love the buzz of working with a team who are as dedicated and passionate as I am about making each issue of the newspaper the best it can possibly be.

This week we’ve had some huge features (check out the stunning nine-page Airlie Beach Hotel 55 Year Birthday feature on pages 14-22), we’ve also had the Federal Budget announcement (see page 6) and, just an hour before going to print, we witnessed some revelations from the morning’s Council meeting that were too juicy to omit! (see page 3).

Covering the best local news in the timeliest way possible puts a fair bit of pressure on the team and as I write this, I can hear our design squad clicking away at pages, working as efficiently as possible to meet the deadline.

Some weeks are easier than others, but this one has definitely challenged us!

It’s times like this I’m really glad we have a solid team and excited that our new journalist, Bronte, seems to be happy working in the thick of the action!

This huge newspaper week also comes off the back of Core Life Magazine, our sister publication, which went to print last Friday.

It will be hitting the stands on Monday so make sure you grab your copy.

This edition of Core is our first Health, Fitness and Beauty feature and it has been wonderful meeting so many local health professionals who share tips, tricks, motivations and inspiring life stories.

We hope you enjoy everything you read this week, and if you’ve only got time to read two things – make sure it’s this paper and Core Magazine!

Rach

Quote: “If you want something done, ask a busy person” (Benjamin Franklin)

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Almost two weeks ago now, Abbey Coquillon posted onto the Whitsunday Chat Facebook page, sharing how she has been in the area for nearly a year and a half and has yet to make a solid foundation of friendships and relationships outside of work.

Once posting this, she was inundated with comments from like-minded women who are eager to make friendships with locals and travellers in the area.

This encouraged Abbey to establish the Social Ladies Whitsundays Facebook group.

“So many of us are wanting to venture out and make new and long-lasting friendships,” Abbey’s introductory post says.

“This can be a page we can just ask if anyone is free and wants to catch up! A great way to find similar interest and like-minded individuals.”

Since the group’s inception on May 3, it has seen a growth of over 600 people joining.

Many members are singing the praises of Abbey’s bravery.

“Thank you, Abbey, for creating this page – love that you were brave enough to do so,” says one member in her introduction post.

“This is a fantastic idea. I have been in Airlie a long time, two adult children and partner but my circle is small,” says another.

Most of the posts in the group are invitations to other members for hikes, coffee afternoon, or drinks at a local pub or club.

There are also members connecting to go to the gym together, an open Pilates workshop, and an event set up to attend the Mayor’s Ball in July.

The group is visible on Facebook, so just search ‘Social Ladies Whitsundays’ to join.

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Leaked Documents, Council Debates And Boardroom Applause

Building height regulations for proposed development in Airlie Beach were once again the source of boardroom debate on Wednesday with tensions flaring at the Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary meeting.

Councillor John Collins made accusations that documents had been leaked to media before they were discussed within Council Chambers.

Mayor Julie Hall completely denied allegations stating that a photo used in an online article was from another event and not relevant to current discussions.

“I had nothing to do with that article,” she said.

A spokesperson from Save Our Foreshore (SOF), the action group that attended the Council meeting, said that they also knew nothing about leaked information and that the article was largely based on old information.

While the tension in the boardroom generated some distraction, it was soon down to business with the real reason for discussion brought to the table under the support of a large public gallery.

Mayor Julie Hall proposed the motion that the current wording, which included ‘maximum’ when referring to height restrictions, remain in the 2017 Whitsunday Planning Scheme.

This document, which contains the new Airlie Beach Local Plan, had been updated and, according to SOF, vital information that was controlling the height level of development in Airlie Beach was missing.

SOF believe that by reinstating the word ‘maximum’, it sets a precedent for those restrictions to remain.

It was also proposed that the character description relating to low rise buildings and a village feel remain included in the scheme.

The motion was carried 5:2 and the items remain included.

A lively public gallery applauded at the decision, many campaigners thrilled by the small but important win.

Although the details may seem minor, the action group believe their inclusion represents a vital piece of the puzzle for managing future developments and height restrictions.

“We are very pleased with the result at the Council meeting today,” said President of SOF Suzette Pelt.

“And really pleased with how the Councillors voted, it was also wonderful to see a full gallery and multiple applause.”

This event is timely, as the contentious Port of Airlie court case is scheduled to appear in the Planning and Environment Court later this month.

The case will see SOF take Whitsunday Regional Council to court over its decision to approve a high-rise development at Port of Airlie, a move that would see height restrictions increase from the recommended 18 metres to 47.7 metres for that development.

While the need for continued growth and development is a priority to all, so too is the way in which our region manages that growth and retains its “winning formular” which many tourists flock to the region for.

The one-day court hearing will take place in Brisbane’s Planning and Environment Court on May 15.

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The 2023/24 Federal Budget was released on Tuesday evening with the intention of easing the cost of living for all Australians high on the agenda and evident in the detail.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Budget also delivers a $4 billion surplus with higher commodities, low unemployment and wage growth factors leading to this projection.

If achieved, it will be the first budget surplus in 15 years.

Here is how the budget will impact your hip pocket:

Cost Of Living

• You could be eligible to receive a $500 energy rebate

• Aged care workers will receive a 15% pay rise

• An extra $9 billion for additional childcare subsidies

• Sole parent payments extended until children turn 14

• $40 per fortnight increase JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy

• Rent assistance increased by 15% to an extra $31 per fortnight

• Family and friends can purchase homes together with 5% deposit

• From 2026 employers will need to pay Superannuation at the same time as the pay wages

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Health And Education

• Cheaper prescriptions for people living with chronic illnesses

• Heart health assessments now on Medicare rebate

• $32 million to upgrade school infrastructure

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Energy And Environment

• $1 billion to provide low-cost loans for solar panels and double-glazing windows

• $302 million to help farmers move towards low emission future

• $200 million for disaster prevention such as seawalls, drainage measures etc

• $2 billion for a new Hydrogen Headstart program and zero emissions future

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What The Budget Means For Our Region

It’s still early days and there is much to dissect within the detail of the Federal Budget for 2023/24 and how it will impact our region.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says he is “pretty disappointed in the budget as a whole as” he believes that more should have been allocated to the Whitsundays given that our region is one of the biggest food producers in the country.

Willcox asserts that the $4.2 billion surplus “is largely on the back of an increase in commodity prices”.

“We’ve got cattle, our beef industry’s been performing well, there’s more export dollars coming in there, and of course coal,” he said.

“In our particular area, we’re the biggest sugar cane growing area, 80% of that’s exported, so there’s export dollars coming in there.

“We’ve produced a lot of this extra income that’s gone towards the surplus and yet all our infrastructure that’s been in the budget has been scrapped.”

The one element of the Budget that Willcox is happy for is the increase healthcare assistance where he says he is “pleased our most vulnerable are being looked after”.

However, he is disappointed that there is no funding for the Bruce Highway, the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Building or various water projects like the Urannah Dam.

“The North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority’s being scrapped, so that was $9.5 million and that was going to oversee projects like Urannah Dam, the Burdekin to Bowen pipeline, the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam,” he said.

“Australia’s a dry continent, we should be building dams, catching water and using our water for tourism opportunities, for urban use, for mining, for agriculture.”

• Truckies will soon have to pay an additional 6% tax to use the roads which could have significant impacts on our region with supplies for everything from farms to grocery stores relying on road transport. We can expect grocery prices to reflect this additional cost.

• No local hydro-electric projects have been included in the budget which means Urannah Dam, the Burdekin to Bowen pipeline and the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam will be put on the backburner.

• The Whitsunday VMR will not receive its $420,000 upgrade to their headquarters and operational centre

• There is no mention of any funding for the Bruce Highway

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Groups from around the community commemorated Domestic Family Violence Awareness Month last week by holding candle lighting ceremonies in Bowen and Airlie Beach.

Currently in Australia, at least one woman is killed by her partner every week, and the annual Bowen DVAG holds a candle lighting vigil to commemorate those victims and their families, who have lost their lives in the past 12 months.

The Bowen Domestic Violence Action Group (DVAG) hosted the Bowen iteration and said that  the ceremony acts a reminder about the prevalence of domestic violence, and provides insight on what to look for, where to find help and ways to heal.

Usually an evening event, the 2023 Bowen ceremony took place mid-morning, illuminating healing and healthy relationships.

The DVAG is open for all members of the community. The group holds meetings fortnightly on Mondays, from 9am till 10.30am, at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.

The Airlie Beach event was held with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and Federal Member of Bonney Sam O’Connor in attendance.

The DVAG continues to fight domestic violence, promoting that everyone has a role to play to support local communities and have a responsibility for their own words and actions.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Broken Ballerina founder Jules Thompson and members of the community at the vigil.

Whitsunday Counselling and Support Ayla Wright with Mayor Julie Hall. Photos Supplied

Landowners are invited to educate themselves of the hazards and safe management of bush fires at the Whitsunday Regional Council Bush Fire Resilience Training which is happening across the region this month.

The bushfire resilience training encompasses assessing risk of bushfires, and tools to reduce and minimise the risk.

“The training provides an opportunity to learn how to assess bushfire risk, understand mitigation options, and support available to help mitigate bushfire risk,” said Whitsunday Major, Julie Hall.

“It provides landowners with the knowledge and skills they need to help protect their property and their community.”

The bushfire resilience training will take place at various locations across the Whitsundays region and includes observation of planned burns for practical understanding and modelling of assessing risk and how to act in the event of a bushfire.

In Proserpine, the training will take place at the SES Shed, on May 13, with an observed planned burn on May 14 at Silver Creek Road.

For Collinsville residents, the training will be held at Opal Ridge Hotel, on May 20, with the burn scheduled for May 21 at Collinsville Transfer Station.

In Bowen, the training will be at Queens Beach Hotel on May 27, with the observed burn on May 28 at Brisk Bay.

All landowners and residents in the region are encouraged to register and attend the training.

“It's a chance to learn from the experts, ask questions, and get hands-on experience," said Mayor Hall.

"By investing in bushfire resilience training and property bushfire plans, we are demonstrating our commitment to the safety and protection of our community. We urge all interested landowners to register their interest and attend the upcoming training."

The Bushfire Resilience Training is a part of the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project, a scheme to prepare the communities in bushfire preparedness.

To register for the training, email Whitsunday Regional Council on info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, visit a Customer Service Centre, or ring the Natural Resources Management Branch on 1300 972 753.

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Bushfire Resilience Training to educate landowners on risk and mitigation.

To recognise Domestic Family Awareness Month, Councillors and I attended the Candle Lighting Ceremony at Bowen Town Square last Wednesday as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

The ceremony was an opportunity to remember those who have been impacted by domestic violence and to shine a light on the issue that affects so many in our community.

I was honoured to deliver a short speech urging the community to stand united in the belief that everyone has a right to feel safe and secure.

I expressed my gratitude to the local organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to combat domestic violence and provide support for survivors.

We should all try to engage and educate each other to create a community that supports respectful relationship practices, positive attitudes, and behaviours, and promotes a culture of non-violence.

I urge everyone in our community to make a clear stance that domestic violence will not be tolerated, not now, not ever!

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month provides the profile to promote a clear message of no tolerance in our community with the goal of ensuring that those who are facing domestic violence can find strength from those around them to come forward and know they are not alone.

As a community, we must continue to speak out against domestic violence, educate ourselves, and support those who have been impacted.

These actions will help honour the memory of those lost and help to shine a light on a dark subject.

Whitsunday Regional Council has recently partnered with DV Safe Phone, an organisation with a vision to get a safe phone into the hands of every victim of domestic violence in need.

If you have an old mobile phone, you can donate it to be repurposed for a victim of domestic violence by dropping it in a donation box located at your local library.

For further information on the program, visit, dvsafephone.org.

Mayor Julie

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This week the federal government handed down its review into the role of permanent migration in nation building. After only a relatively brief review which commenced late last year, the government has identified some areas for policy change, and like most shifts associated with a change in government this appears to be flavoured with some obvious, much needed reforms to support the current economy as well as appeasement of interests from within the new government.

Migration has long been recognised as a critical contributor to regional development, and our region is no exception. Over the past hundred years or more, migrant workers from a range of heritage have moved here establishing families and businesses that are the backbone of key industries like Agriculture. Evidently, many well-known local families and prominent community names have originated from migrant decent. Migration has brought with it various benefits such as cultural diversity, social and economic growth, skills, entrepreneurship and workforce expansion.

With the right settings and support, migration has a critical role to play in realising the future, enormous untapped potential in our region and in our key industries. A purpose-built migration system that enables migrant workers to supplement the domestic workforce will allow us to access that potential. People across the globe are willing and eager to visit or live in Australia to work on farms. We need to have policy settings that allows them to do so, and ensure Australia is a competitive and desirable location for migrants.

Moving forward, our migration system must allow willing workers, skilled and unskilled to be able to come into our country to support our regional employers and businesses in an accessible and equitable way. Touching on the reports of widespread exploitation of low-skilled workers in the governments review, I can’t speak for every industry and region but from what I’ve seen in my time in Agriculture these reports are overblown and industrially motivated. This system should offer necessary protections and a way to obtain permanent residence in our country but also be flexible toward temporary needs of businesses in industries such as agriculture, considerate of cost and who bears that cost in supporting the migration process.

In July this year, BGGA will be hosting a forum in Bowen to advance the dialogue in ‘regional capacity building through migration’ bringing stakeholders together to learn about the current system, discuss challenges and further opportunities that migration can bring. I hope you’ll agree this is an important discussion to pursue for the future growth of our industry and of our region.

Contributed with thanks to Ry Collins, President of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

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Workers at the Brisbane Markets. Photo supplied

Migration has a critical role to play in revitalising the future. Photo supplied

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One day in November, Proserpine resident Jenn Johnson noticed a lump in her breast.

She thought nothing of it, and only noticed the lump whenever she was in the shower, finally making a doctor’s appointment later that month.

“I thought it was a swollen milk duct, or something, you can get those years after you’ve stopped breast feeding,” she said.

“I thought it was going to be nothing, and all of a sudden, it was something.”

From the date of the initial doctor’s appointment and ultrasound, it took Jenn two months of testing and scans to receive her diagnoses. Grade three breast cancer, in her breast and lymph nodes.

Since the very beginning, Jenn has kept her almost-four-year-old, Wyatt, informed.

“I told the little one that mummy’s gotta get a needle, to find out if it’s a good bump or a bad bump. Eventually, he asked ‘mummy, is it a good bump or a bad one?’ and I said, ‘it’s a bad one’, and he said, ‘but I want it to be a good one’.”

Jenn is about to finish up the first part of her treatment of four fortnightly rounds of chemo in Mackay, however, she had an extreme reaction to her most recent round, caused by an infection in her port.

After a stay in both Mackay and Proserpine Hospital and the removal of her port, Jenn is now back at home in Proserpine.

She will finish her final fortnightly chemo treatment, before going into 12 weeks of weekly chemo treatments, each one requiring her to be in Mackay for a day each week.

This is where Tarnia Patton, coordinator of Proserpine Community Markets, steps in.

She knew of Jenn in town, and her “bright and friendly character that makes her extremely hard to forget”.

“After finding out about Jenn’s diagnoses, I really was at a loss as to what I could do to help,” said Tarnia.

“Then I noticed a friend of hers started a GoFundMe campaign which I immediately contributed to and shared around my networks.”

Tarnia is founder and coordinator of the Proserpine Community Markets which have been operating since late 2020.

For each market, the team select a charity to support, and on this occasion they decided to put the money raised into supporting Jenn’s battle.  

The market also had a pink theme, to spread awareness about breast cancer, and start the conversation.

“We raised a total of $1,310 through the raffle and donations,” said Tarnia.

Many of the raffle prizes were donations from the staff holders.

“This way, 100 per cent of the funds went directly to Jenn.”

This massive donation has been combined with Jenn’s GoFundMe campaign, bringing the total to $5,225.

Jenn is extremely grateful for the donation and decided to share to raise awareness for breast cancer.

“It can happen to anyone, young and old; it can happen to men. And you don’t realise that until you’re in it,” she explained

“I figured, if this will get my story out there, and if another young woman hears, then it could help her too.”

Once Jenn has completed the 12 weeks weekly treatments, she will next undergo surgery to remove her breast, in order to drastically reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning.

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Proserpine mum, Jenn Johnson, battles breast cancer at 30-years-old

The Proserpine Community Markets supporting Jenn Johnson’s breast cancer journey